October is National Audiology Awareness Month. This month was created by the National American Academy of Audiology in 2008 to spread awareness about hearing and the importance of protecting it.
According to the National Institute on Deafness and Communication Disorders, about 40 million Americans suffer from hearing loss and can benefit from a hearing aid. Only 20% percent of people get their hearing checked and some wait up to 10 years to do so which by then your ears are already damaged. Adults between the ages of 20 and 69 have reported that they experience difficulties hearing. An audiologist is someone who’s job is to prevent, treat and recognize hearing loss in individuals.
For the past seven years, the Student Academy of Audiology has run a campaign known as “Ask Me About Audiology.” The purpose of this campaign is to educate our communities on the profession of audiologists and the impact that noise exposure has on our ears and on an individual. Through events such as this, others can spread awareness on the significance of hearing loss, why to avoid loud, noisy areas and to get your ears checked if you notice changes with your hearing.
Here are a few ways you can help spread awareness:
- encourage others to wear hearing protection like earplugs
- avoid loud noises
- reduce your level of sounds – noises above 85 decibels typically damage hearing
- spend time in more quiet, calm environments
- do some research to familiarize with this issue
- encourage others to get their hearing checked
- use apps that monitors noise levels
- use your social media accounts to spread awareness by posting photos or videos
Hearing is something important to our daily life and something we take for granted. Do not put your ears at risk. If you have issues hearing or notice changes to your ears, get your hearing checked immediately. If you need to get your hearing evaluated by an audiologist, contact the experts at New Generation Hearing Center for a free consultation.
